Tea for Depression: Evidence-Based Benefits & How to Brew

Tea has long been known as a revitalizing beverage. But scientific research is finally proving it's benefits to your body and your well-being. It contains polyphenols to help you fight off free radicals, flavonoids to restrict cholesterol buildup and antioxidants to keep you looking young. It also helps reduce depression in several ways.

Instructions

• 1

  Choose your favorite blend of tea. Steep the tea bag in hot water for up to 5 minutes. Remove it and add milk or lemon. Drink slowly and allow it to soothe your mind and spirit.

• 2

  Opt for a herbal blend that offers serenity. St. John's wort and valerian are two types that have calming affects.

• 3

  Know that St. John's wort helps alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia and seasonal affective disorder. It's believed to allow more serotonin to stay in your brain. Low serotonin levels can cause depression.

• 4

  Use St. John's wort as a treatment for mild to moderate depression. In Germany, it's prescribed much more often than Prozac.

• 5

  Drink tea with valerian if you're suffering from insomnia due to depression. It has effects similar to that of Valium and is a relatively powerful herbal sedative. It's not addictive, so you'll feel fine in the morning.